Hometown visits are always bittersweet in my eyes. I recently went on a trip with my daughter to my hometown of Vallejo, California and the surrounding Bay Area. This will tell the tale and take you on a journey, I hope you enjoy some of my memories and moments.
I have lived in many places in my life, but I consider Vallejo my home. California born, transplanted to NJ, then Vallejo, then PA, then back to Vallejo, then to Merced, then to Vallejo, back to PA and resting in Vallejo until I was old enough to make another move and adult mistakes. Vallejo, out of everywhere that I have lived remains "home" and I have a love for it like no other place that I have been. It was where I forged friendships that still exist today. It was where I found my rebellious side, where I started drinking and smoking and discovering marijuana. Where I lost my innocence, where violence first scarred me and where I became an adult (way too quickly). I remember walking to school down the railroad tracks, I would not ever recommend that nowadays but back then, it was slightly less sketchy. I remember eating dry ramen noodles with mustard for breakfast while walking to school, being teased by all my classmates running in their packs of cool people. I remember not eating in the lunchroom, walking to The Plunge which was the middle school and high school swimming pool. Walking up to Circle park at the tippy top of Vallejo on Coughlin Hill. I remember playing in marsh fields by the Marina and walking close to the waters edge. I remember the zoo and peacocks at Blue Rock Springs. Tripping with my friends on Gravity Hill on Lake Herman Road and freking ourselves out that this was where the Zodiac Killer had killed. I remember the record shop on Georgia Street and the Empress Theatre. Running along the waterfront and climbing on the ladders and almost touching the dark water. I remember walking Springs Road, drinking with my friends and ducking out to avoid getting busted by cops. I have the best memories and the worst memories in Vallejo but most of them are what have molded me. I left in 1991 eager to grow and stand on my feet further and really grow up.
I had a whirlwind trip planned for 3 full days. I was full of anxiety and excitement the day we landed at the Oakland International Airport. We hit the ground running that first day. We grabbed our rental car and sped off to the Bay. I told Briahna okay, we are going to do this, this,this and this. She was mainly overwhelmed with seeing the ocean on the horizon and with her Mom yelling at her to take this picture and that picture,what a great time. I am sure that her memories of this trip will last within her for a very long time. Our first stop was The Wharf and Pier 39 and Fishermans Grotto. I told her all of the history of San Francisco and of all of my adventures there. When I took her to see the battleship and submarine, I got a pleasant surprise. The Musee Mecanique was there! I had told her all about it but I thought that it was gone. We put quarters in damn near every machine. They are antiques, most of them and there is nothing like seeing the cherry wood, the maple and the beveled glass. She got to see the Sea Lions and eat crab chowder. We hiked the Sutro Bath ruins. And we spent hours at Lands End on Ocean Beach. Bri built a sand castle and we both collected sand and shells and driftwood. After that we drove through Golden Gate Park and drove over the Golden Gate Bridge. We got turned around quite a bit in the streets of San Francisco thanks to Google maps.
Later after we were over exploring, we headed to where we were to be staying the night. We stayed with family and got to enjoy precious moments with the whole family. It was a perfect visit and such a warm and loving house. The next day we hit my hometown and Benicia. Benicia is a beautiful town surrounded by the water. Protected waterways for wildlife and sunken barges. It is chock full of fond memories for me. We walked the pier and the waterfront and we went to see the house that she used to live in when she was 2.
What wonderful times. Off to Vallejo we go. Seeing the city as we rolled through brought back a flood of emotions and memories. Briahna enjoyed all the stories and seeing the crazy streets. I took her to see the old Victorian haunted house that I lived in and most of my old houses. I showed her my schools. We topped it off with meeting my dearest friend and his wife who I have been long time friends with as well. We ate seafood, laughed, cried and reminisced. We spent hours chatting when finally it was time to go on more adventures. We spent more time exploring Vallejo and then headed back to the family.
Our third full day was to be spent with my dear friend Tonni and her family. It has been years since I saw her. And I could not wait to catch up, my daughter and her daughter were going to meet for the first time. It was a great day. I got to see the whole family and we laughed and reminisced. Amazing day for sure. We ended up staying the night and I was sad that our trip was coming to an end. I embraced my friend and told her next time it cannot be years and she should come visit me. As we left her neighborhood I was sad but so happy and grateful. I am grateful that most of my friendships have lasted as long as they have. I am grateful that Tonni and I can pick up right where we left off. I am grateful that Mike and Jennifer are still such a huge part of my life. These are friends that I rarely talk to but the connection is strong.
I did not get to see everyone that I wanted to but there simply was not enough time to see everyone or everything. That is where Briahna and I made the decision to go back next year and stay longer this time. Goals!
As I was driving to the airport, the fog began to roll in through the hills. Briahna got to experience so much on this trip. Really, it felt like a dream. And I was so full of joy. We got to Oakland Airport and we were able to catch the sunrise. I bid goodbye to my valley, my bay and my home. It seems as if this was a trip that changed my mind about things and opened my heart more. I will cherish this trip and the experience with my daughter.r
I simply state here that sometimes, it is good to go home. It is good to remember where you began, where your hopes and dreams were formed. It is a reminder to yourself of how far that you have come.
Thank you all for going on this trip with me and reading into my whirlwind of words. With this I leave you with Peace, Love and Happiness always!
